In this issue, we continue the study of the book, What is Spiritism, launched in Paris in July 1859. This study will be divided into 19 parts. The pages cited in the text and suggested for reading refer to the 20th edition published by the Brazilian Spiritist Federation (Federacao Espirita Brasileira). The answers to the questions suggested for discussion can be found at the end of this text.
Questions for discussion
A. Does Spiritism recruit followers, as some evangelical sects do?
B. The turning tables were important and the starting point of the Spiritism encoding. Why, then, now no longer such phenomena take place and why do we not even talk about them?
C. What must a Spiritism apprentice do, at the stage when he knows nothing and saw nothing, but wishes to learn about the Spiritist Doctrine?
Reading Text
23. Spiritism is addressed to those who do not believe or doubt, and not to those who have faith and to whom this faith is enough. And it tells nobody to renounce to their beliefs, or to adopt ours. After saying these words, Kardec recommended us to welcome with care the men of good will, offering the light to those who seek it, because with those who believe we will not be successful. We should not do violence to the faith of anyone, but put the light in evidence, for those who want to see it. (Biography, page 36).
24. They wanted to know how does a doctrine that makes man happier and better, has so many enemies. It is natural, explains Kardec. Whenever something better begins, it always goes against several interests. How can we expect a doctrine that leads to the practice of effective charity not to be opposed by those who live in selfishness? (Biography, pages 38 and 39).
25. Every person, who seeks by any means, to destroy the good harmony, cannot have good intentions. That is why Kardec recommended we be very careful forming our groups, not only for our tranquility, but also for the interest of the workers. (Biography, page 39).
26. According to Kardec, it is worth having in a city one hundred groups of 10 to 20 followers where no one has a supremacy over the others, than one only group with all of them together. Large groups are justified if we consider the point of view of propaganda, but, as for serious and continued studies, it is better to form intimate groups. (Biography, page 42).
27. The book "What is Spiritism" is divided into three Chapters: The first Chapter contains the answers to comments most commonly made by those who are unaware of the fundamental principles of the Doctrine and the refutation of the main arguments of its opponents. The second Chapter deals with the scientific aspect of Spiritism. It is almost a summary of “The Book of Mediums”. The third Chapter is a summary of “The Book of Spirits”. (EN: The first edition was published in July, 1859). (Preamble, pages 49 and 50).
28. One or two sessions are not enough to acquire conviction. This, according to Kardec, would be a real miracle, because he himself took over a year of work to be convinced, and this proves that he did not reach this state groundlessly. (Chapter I, First Dialogue, page 52).
29. Kardec did not consider the criticism of Spiritism as an expression of public opinion, but as an individual judgment, which may well be deceiving. History records that important works were, when they first appeared, criticized, and this does not mean they were excluded from the great works. However, when something is bad, there is no praise that will make it good. (Chapter I, First Dialogue, pages 54 and 55).
30. If Spiritism is untrue, then it will fall by itself. If, however, it is a fact, there is nothing that will make it a lie. (Chapter I, First Dialogue, page 55).
31. It is only logical that a critical knows, not superficially but in depth, what we talks about, if not his opinion is worthless. The critic should not be limited to say that such a thing is good or bad. It is necessary that he justifies his opinion through a clear and categorical statement, based on the principles of art or science to which belongs the object of criticism. (Chapter I, First Dialogue, page 55).
32. Spiritism is not responsible for the actions of those, who abuse and exploit its name, in the same way medical science is not responsible for the actions of charlatans, who foist their drugs; or religion for the actions of the priests, who deceive their ministry. (Chapter I, First Dialogue, page 58). (Continues in the next issue).
Answers to the proposed questions
A. Does Spiritism recruit followers, as some evangelical sects do?
No. Spiritism does not seek to force any conviction and is, therefore, contrary to all proselytizing attitude. (What is Spiritism, Chapter I, First Dialogue, page 52).
B. The turning tables were important and the starting point of the Spiritism encoding. Why, then, now no longer such phenomena take place and why do we not even talk about them?
The reason is easy to understand. The turning tables had as consequence, something even more serious, a complete science, a philosophical doctrine, showing that the curiosity of the period had its time, but passed. It was followed by the period of observation. Spiritism entered then in the field of more serious people, who did not see the facts as object of fun, but rather as a means to educate themselves. (Ibid, Chapter I, First Dialogue, page 62).
C. What must a Spiritism apprentice do, at the stage when he knows nothing and saw nothing, but wishes to learn about the Spiritist Doctrine?
First, he needs to educate himself by learning the theory, reading and meditating about the works that deal with the subject. In them he will learn the basics and find the description of all phenomena. Then, when he has the opportunity to observe or experiment them in person, he will find nothing strange in the facts that take place. (Ibid, Chapter I, First Dialogue, page 64).
